One of the world's most iconic buildings is The Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament. Having started its life in the 11th Century, when Westminster Hall was used for meetings between the King and his Council, the Palace has now evolved into the home of a 21st century democratic Parliament. With a fire in 1834 destroying many of the buildings, most of what's left today dates from the mid-19th century. The Houses of Parliament offers guided tours of the premises, giving visitors a unique insight with a combination of history, politics, art and architecture. Running every Saturday and on weekdays during the summer period, the tour commences by taking visitors on the processional route taken by The Queen every year a State Opening of Parliament: from The Queen's Robing Room, through the Royal Gallery and Prince's Chamber, into the Lords Chamber. The journey will then continue through the Peers' Lobby and Central Lobby, the meeting point of the Lords and Commons. During the visit to the lobbies, visitors will be educated on the voting process and will then enter the Commons Chamber. The tour concludes in Westminster Hall, where historic trials such as William Wallace and Guy Fawkes and taken place. While more recent times have seen Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama address the Houses of Parliament from the steps of the hall.

Now more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster began life in 1042 as a royal residence under Edward the Confessor. The major structure to survive various fires, Westminster Hall was built between 1087 and 1100 and is one of the largest medieval halls in Europe with an unsupported hammerbeam roof. More about Houses of Parliament

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